Des McAnuff
Latest News on Des McAnuff:
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stage/The Rose (Jan 30, 2025)
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary (Jan 28, 2025)
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide (Jan 27, 2025)
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stage/The Rose (Jan 30, 2025)
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary (Jan 28, 2025)
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide (Jan 27, 2025)
BIO
McAnuff is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and former Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival. Broadway: Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula, the Musical, How to Succeed..., The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards for Best Director, Best Musical).
McAnuff is also Director Emeritus of La Jolla Playhouse, where during his tenure as Artistic Director, he staged more than 35 productions of classics, new plays, and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater.
Raised in Canada, he was a part of the Toronto alternative theatre scene in the 70s. While at Stratford, he directed multiple productions including A Word or Two, The Tempest, and Caesar and Cleopatra (all starring Christopher Plummer), Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Twelfth Night (starring Brian Dennehy), ...Forum, As You Like It, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
In 2006, he received the prestigious Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing and in 2011, he was honoured with a doctorate from Ryerson University where he attended the Theatre School. In 2012, he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada.
Photos
Productions
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[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Vocal Music Arranger
Director
Writing
Adaptation
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who’s Tommy
Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and times of the Temptations
Olivier Awards - 2009 - Best Director
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
winner
Drama League Awards - 2006 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Des McAnuff
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys
winner
Olivier Awards - 1997 - Best Director
Des McAnuff, Tommy
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Director - Musical
Des McAnuff -, The Who's Tommy
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Book of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy
winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, The Who's Tommy
Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Direction of a Musical
Des McAnuff, Big River
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Lyrics
Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Music
Des McAnuff, Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth
Videos
Video: Murin and Grant Perform 'Jackson' from THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at La Jolla
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-06-09 14:43:00
Video: What it's like playing Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in The Ballad of Johnny and June
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-29 10:09:01
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for La Jolla Playhouse's THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-21 13:51:00
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Sings 'I'm Free' from THE WHO'S TOMMY in the Recording Studio
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-28 13:47:04
Video: Music Director & Conductor Alan Everman on La Mirada's JERSEY BOYS
by Joshua Wright - 2024-04-18 10:36:52
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals of JERSEY BOYS at La Mirada Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2024-04-11 15:45:10
Video: Ali Louis Bourzgui Talks Making His Broadway Debut in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-06 14:54:23
Video: Cast and Creative Team Talk THE WHO'S TOMMY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-03-31 12:49:08
Video: Watch Ali Louis Bourzgui Record 'See Me, Feel Me' from THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-03-30 12:21:34
Video: The Company of THE WHO'S TOMMY Celebrates Opening Night
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-03-29 14:13:21
Video: Watch THE WHO'S TOMMY Perform 'Pinball Wizard,' 'See Me, Feel Me' & More
by Michael Major - 2024-03-27 09:21:57
Video: Des McAnuff Is Back for Seconds with THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2024-03-13 15:22:52
VIDEO: Watch 'Pinball Wizard' from THE WHO'S TOMMY at the Goodman Theatre
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-07-19 11:28:21
Video: Watch a New Clip from THE WHO'S TOMMY at The Goodman
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-07-13 18:51:13
Video: Get a Sneak Peek of AIN'T TOO PROUD London Cast Singing 'My Girl'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-03-14 14:06:44
Josh Young and Emily Padgett Will Bring VALJEAN, COSETTE AND A STRING QUARTET to the Green Room 42
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-03-29 17:43:28
News
BWW Q&A: Lee Siegel on BRAMPTON CONCERT BAND & THE JAZZ MECHANICS at Brampton On Stage/The Rose
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025
Experience 'A Love Letter to New York' — a dazzling celebration of the Big Apple through music! Acclaimed Broadway star Lee Siegel joins forces with the Brampton Concert Band and The Jazz Mechanics for an afternoon of melodies and magic. Immerse yourself in the spirit of New York as the show takes you from jazz classics like Orange Colored Sky and In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to Broadway hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration — it’s like a trip to Broadway, right here in Brampton!
by Joshua Wright - Jan 30, 2025
Experience 'A Love Letter to New York' — a dazzling celebration of the Big Apple through music! Acclaimed Broadway star Lee Siegel joins forces with the Brampton Concert Band and The Jazz Mechanics for an afternoon of melodies and magic. Immerse yourself in the spirit of New York as the show takes you from jazz classics like Orange Colored Sky and In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning to Broadway hits from Les Misérables, West Side Story, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration — it’s like a trip to Broadway, right here in Brampton!
AIN'T TOO PROUD is Coming to Pikes Peak Center in Febuary
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025
The American Theatre Guild will present the Broadway smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
What Broadway Shows Are On Tour Across North America in 2025? - A Complete Guide
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025
Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025
Looking for a show to see in a city near you? Check out our guide of current and upcoming Broadway tours, and learn about each production as they make their way across the United States and Canada on their North American routes, including musicals and plays.
Spotlight: AIN’T TOO PROUD at The Tobin Center
by BWW Special Offer - Jan 22, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
by BWW Special Offer - Jan 22, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
Video: Keke Palmer is 'Hoping' to Come to Broadway in FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025
Keke Palmer revealed that she is 'hoping' to come to Broadway later this year in a production of Fetch Clay, Make Man. Learn more and watch the video clip here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025
Keke Palmer revealed that she is 'hoping' to come to Broadway later this year in a production of Fetch Clay, Make Man. Learn more and watch the video clip here!
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025
Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025
Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
Spotlight: AIN’T TOO PROUD at The Tobin Center
by BWW Special Offer - Jan 10, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
by BWW Special Offer - Jan 10, 2025
AIN’T TOO PROUD is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts, creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
Tickets to AIN'T TOO PROUD at Kravis Center to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024
Single tickets for the Broadway musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will go on sale this week. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024
Single tickets for the Broadway musical AIN'T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will go on sale this week. Learn more!
Tickets on Sale Today For AIN'T TOO PROUD in South Bend
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024
Single tickets for the smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in South Bend will go on sale to the public today. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 13, 2024
Single tickets for the smash hit musical AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS in South Bend will go on sale to the public today. Learn more here!
Patti Murin Takes Over Our Instagram For THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE
by Michael Major - Nov 23, 2024
Patti Murin is taking over our Instagram today! The Broadway favorite will be taking our followers behind-the-scenes of The Ballad of Johnny and June, now playing at The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. Follow along on our Instagram story!
by Michael Major - Nov 23, 2024
Patti Murin is taking over our Instagram today! The Broadway favorite will be taking our followers behind-the-scenes of The Ballad of Johnny and June, now playing at The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. Follow along on our Instagram story!
AIN'T TOO PROUD And More On Sale This Friday At Fox Performing Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2024
Single tickets for three national touring Broadway shows at The Fox PAC will be available starting Friday, 11/22. Don't miss your chance to see these acclaimed productions live on stage.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2024
Single tickets for three national touring Broadway shows at The Fox PAC will be available starting Friday, 11/22. Don't miss your chance to see these acclaimed productions live on stage.
AIN'T TOO PROUD And More On Sale Friday At Bank of America Performing Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2024
The American Theatre Guild has announced that single tickets to AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, JUDY COLLINS and THE ADDAMS FAMILY will go on sale to the public on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m.Â
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2024
The American Theatre Guild has announced that single tickets to AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, JUDY COLLINS and THE ADDAMS FAMILY will go on sale to the public on Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m.Â
Review: THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE Opens at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre
by Sarah Dussome - Nov 19, 2024
To their adoring fans, country music power couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash had nothing short of a fairytale romance. Their enduring love story and illustrious careers take centre stage in Des McAnuff’s riveting new musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June.Â
by Sarah Dussome - Nov 19, 2024
To their adoring fans, country music power couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash had nothing short of a fairytale romance. Their enduring love story and illustrious careers take centre stage in Des McAnuff’s riveting new musical, The Ballad of Johnny and June.Â
AIN'T TOO PROUD Tickets On Sale Now At Popejoy Hall
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2024
Tickets for AIN'T TOO PROUD at Popejoy Hall are now available. Discover the story of The Temptations through this acclaimed musical, featuring their iconic hits and dynamic performances.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2024
Tickets for AIN'T TOO PROUD at Popejoy Hall are now available. Discover the story of The Temptations through this acclaimed musical, featuring their iconic hits and dynamic performances.
Isabella Esler, Jake Epstein, Chilina Kennedy & More Will Star in LIFE AFTER in Toronto
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 4, 2024
The full cast and creative team for the new musical LIFE AFTER at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre has just been announced. The new musical will play a limited engagement from Wednesday, April 16 – Sunday, May 4, 2025 as part of the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season. Check out who is joining the cast here!
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 4, 2024
The full cast and creative team for the new musical LIFE AFTER at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre has just been announced. The new musical will play a limited engagement from Wednesday, April 16 – Sunday, May 4, 2025 as part of the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season. Check out who is joining the cast here!
AIN’T TOO PROUD â€" THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS Comes to San Francisco in February
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2024
BroadwaySF has announced that AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will perform a limited engagement at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre from Tuesday, February 25 through Sunday, March 2, 2025.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2024
BroadwaySF has announced that AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS will perform a limited engagement at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre from Tuesday, February 25 through Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Interview: Ray Fisher in MACBETH at The Shakespeare Theatre of NJ
by Marina Kennedy - Oct 27, 2024
Broadwayworld recently had the outstanding opportunity to see 'Macbeth' at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey with Ray Fisher in the lead role as Macbeth.  We interviewed him to gain some insights about his career and the show.
by Marina Kennedy - Oct 27, 2024
Broadwayworld recently had the outstanding opportunity to see 'Macbeth' at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey with Ray Fisher in the lead role as Macbeth.  We interviewed him to gain some insights about his career and the show.
THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE Announced at The Citadel Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2024
Discover the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter in THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at The Citadel Theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2024
Discover the story of Johnny Cash and June Carter in THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY AND JUNE at The Citadel Theatre.
AIN'T TOO PROUD To Make Bass Hall Debut In February
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 12, 2024
AIN'T TOO PROUD, the Broadway musical about The Temptations, is set to debut at Bass Hall from February 11-16, 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 12, 2024
AIN'T TOO PROUD, the Broadway musical about The Temptations, is set to debut at Bass Hall from February 11-16, 2025.
AIN'T TOO PROUD Comes to State Theatre New Jersey
by Stephi Wild - Oct 11, 2024
State Theatre New Jersey will present the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations for five performances on Friday, October 25 at 8pm; Saturday; October 26 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 11, 2024
State Theatre New Jersey will present the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations for five performances on Friday, October 25 at 8pm; Saturday; October 26 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Des McAnuff written?
Des McAnuff has written 4 shows including Tommy (Bookwriter), How It All Began (Adaptation), The Death of Von Richtofen as Witnessed From Earth (Bookwriter), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Bookwriter).
What awards has Des McAnuff been nominated for?
Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for The Who’s Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ain't Too Proud: The Life and times of the Temptations, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Jersey Boys, Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jersey Boys, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jersey Boys, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Tommy , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Who's Tommy , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Who's Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Who's Tommy, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Big River, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Death of Von Richtofen Witnessed from Earth.
What awards has Des McAnuff won?
Des McAnuff has won several prestigious awards, including the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards. He received the Best Director award at the Olivier Awards for Tommy, as well as the Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Who's Tommy. Additionally, he won the award for Best Direction of a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Who's Tommy.
Videos